Working for a better economy, better governANCE and a better society
How to diversify Hawaii’s economy
We’ve heard the mantra for many decades: Hawaii’s economy needs to diversify. But lately we’re hearing it even more, thanks to the collapse of our state’s biggest industry, tourism, due to the coronavirus lockdowns implemented in March that continue to this day. The...
Hawaii debt increases $9 billion over past 8 months, to $97 billion
The following is a news release that was sent to all Hawaii media on Oct. 15, 2020. ______________ HONOLULU, Oct. 15, 2020 >> Hawaii’s unfunded liabilities for infrastructure and public health benefits have increased so far this year to $97 billion, according to...
Great Lockdown Crash of 2020 is wake-up call for Hawaii lawmakers
This commentary was originally published, without the footnotes, in The Garden Island on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. _____________ Warren Buffett once said, “You only learn who has been swimming naked when the tide goes out.”[1] That includes states, and now that the...
Pollyanna approach to Hawaii’s economic woes not working
At the beginning of the year, our governor boasted about his efforts to put the state on a “sound financial footing.” What a difference a few months can make. That quote from Gov. David Ige’s State of the State address in January was a reference to the plan to pay...
Keeping watch in Hawaii
This article was originally published in the “Proof Positive” section of Midweek on Sept. 16, 2020. _______________ Few things demonstrate the need for government watchdog groups like a statewide emergency. At the nonpartisan Grassroot Institute of...